Who Would You Rather Draft?

[PuRock]

Post your drafting dilemmas/questions/rankings here.

I'll start, I struggled with this one in a mock draft yesterday. We've talked about this matchup elsewhere in the forum before, but now it's time for the fantasy matchup.

Mike Wallace or Hakeem Nicks?

[ravenbeast]

i would take hakeem nicks. especially if steve smith leaves the giants expect nicks and manningham to be the work horses for the passing game for giants. i got a question though where would u rank ray rice without jared gaither on the o line last year was nowhere close to the year b4.

[PuRock]

[quote name='ravenbeast' timestamp='1311202981' post='710321']
i would take hakeem nicks. especially if steve smith leaves the giants expect nicks and manningham to be the work horses for the passing game for giants. i got a question though where would u rank ray rice without jared gaither on the o line last year was nowhere close to the year b4.
[/quote]

Right now I have him ranked 4th. At first I thought I might move him up or down. But the more I look at it, the more #4 makes sense no matter what the circumstance.

There really isn't anyone behind him that I feel comfortable taking 4th. In a ppr league, I could possibly see Jamaal Charles. In a non-ppr League, I could see Turner perhaps.

If I hear though that Onel Cousins is our starting RT, Gaither isn't coming back and Yanda takes a big pay day elsewhere. He might drop to 6 in my rankings. But you have to figure with a bad offensive line, Joe will continue to dump it off. So if its a ppr league its still hard to argue.

[T-ray]

Which of these three qb's: Matt Ryan, Josh Freeman, or Joe Flacco??

[PuRock]

[quote name='T-ray' timestamp='1311218391' post='710425']
Which of these three qb's: Matt Ryan, Josh Freeman, or Joe Flacco??
[/quote]

I'm going to get eggs thrown at me. But I have Matt Ryan a good 10+ overall spots than Flacco/Freeman. Ryan has coaches who've taken off the training wheels. Plus the new toy of Julio Jones should prove valuable right away. And being a dome team never hurts (especially during FF playoff season).

Ofcourse I believe that Flacco CAN outproduce Matt Ryan this year. But I need to have some more faith in the O-line/ Offensive gameplan. I do have Flacco one spot over Freeman. Freeman is the consolation prize if I miss out on Flacco.

Ryan Matthews or Shonn Greene (The competition of the 2010 let-downs)

[lowrider]

Ugh on these debates are so tough. I think I would rather have Mike Wallace. More explosive, and he is really going to be a playmaker this year. But I guess for consistency I would go for Hicks. I guess it depends on the format. PPR I would go Nicks and non PPR I would go Wallace. And also it depends if you get points for big plays and what not

I think I would take Josh Freeman. I just like this Bucs team in general and the weapons they have overall. But Matt Ryan would be the safer pick.

I would definitely take Ryan Matthews over Shonn Greene. Greene just doesn't have what it takes unless someone has some info about him that I don't know about. From my understanding he has been healthy and he has had his chances. He just isn't that good. I'll at least give Matthews another year to be healthy.

Frank Gore or Steven Jackson....

[-Truth-]

Personally, I'd give a slight edge to Hakeem Nicks. With 11 TDs in 13 games, the man has a nose for the end zone. And given that Ahmad Bradshaw and Steve Smith could've played their last games in NY, Nicks' role may actually increase 2011. That is unless Jerrel Jernigan makes his presence known, and commands several targets out of the slot. Either way, I don't see Nicks production declining any time soon. Don't see a wrong choice in the matter though.

[-Truth-]

[quote name='lowrider' timestamp='1311219420' post='710431']
Frank Gore or Steven Jackson....
[/quote]
Tough call. Both have seen their share of injuries, both will see their share of touches, and both are good for at least 1,200 yards per year. Gore's 1,300 yards in 11 contests were remarkable, and the potential of Jim Harbaugh overhauling this offense could make some fantasy owners salivate. However, the acquisition of Kendall Hunter could have him seeing a little more time on the sideline. It's a toss up, in my opinion.

[JO_75]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1311218895' post='710428']
I'm going to get eggs thrown at me. But I have Matt Ryan a good 10+ overall spots than Flacco/Freeman. Ryan has coaches who've taken off the training wheels. Plus the new toy of Julio Jones should prove valuable right away. And being a dome team never hurts (especially during FF playoff season).

Ofcourse I believe that Flacco CAN outproduce Matt Ryan this year. But I need to have some more faith in the O-line/ Offensive gameplan. I do have Flacco one spot over Freeman. Freeman is the consolation prize if I miss out on Flacco.

Ryan Matthews or Shonn Greene (The competition of the 2010 let-downs)
[/quote]

Don't worry, I have taken Matt Ryan a couple times in Mock Drafts myself, and I would be considering taking him in real drafts if I had faith the Falcons line will be the same without RG Harvey Dahl & RT Tyson Clabo. Atlanta is willing to allow their right side of the offensive line to walk in Free Agency and if they actually do, Matt Ryan may go through what Joe did but worse since he would be losing 2 big players on the o-line unlike Joe who only lost Gaither.

Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady?

[PuRock]

[quote name='lowrider' timestamp='1311219420' post='710431']
Frank Gore or Steven Jackson....
[/quote]

Both I wouldn't feel good about if I drafted with my first pick. I actually have Steven Jackson rated as a 2nd round draftee (12-team). Injury history is a concern and the fact that they've kinda of made hints about finding their future back. But knowing that he's slipping in this year's drafts, he'll probably have a monster year. Gore is still pretty much San Fran's team. Plus the other Harbaugh has said everything right about Gore being 'the man'. I feel confident, he'll get his touches and catches. But can he last?

[quote name='JO_75' timestamp='1311221680' post='710443']
Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady?
[/quote]

Aaron Rodgers. He is a dual-threat guy. He'll run a ton. Last year had like 350 yards rushing compared to Brady's 10. Brady did score more TDs but Rodgers also missed a game. I like Brady a lot. But his offensive line is morphing a bit. Light is leaving. Mankins might be gone if he's made a free agent. Plus they drafted some more RBs, so I have to figure they want to shift focus a bit.

[Ed_Reed20]

Calvin Johnson or Roddy White(standard league)?

[Hjulmann]

Ray Lewis.

[-Truth-]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1311258756' post='710526']
Calvin Johnson or Roddy White(standard league)?
[/quote]
Atlanta has spent several years searching for a quality #2 WR, which was a significant factor in White seeing a league leading 179 targets. Michael Jenkins never lived up to his expectations. Unfortunately for the Falcons, recent draftee Harry Douglas is on the same path as well. With Julio Jones now in the mix, Roddy will still likely be good for 1,200 yards and 8 TDs, but repeating his 2010 numbers is looking more and more like a tall order. To be noted, the Falcons could also lose the right side of their OL to FA. With the Saints and Buccaneers loading up on quality DEs, Cameron Jordan, Adrian Clayborn and Da'Quan Bowers to be exact, Matt Ryan might be dusting himself off a little more often.

Concerning Detroit, the Lions also spent an early pick on a WR. However, Titus Young will likely be used out of the slot, and could actually help keep defenses from bracketing CJ. Although having a healthy Matthew Stafford seems like a pipe dream, the possibility itself is still enticing, as Johnson's numbers could be bolstered by several hundred yards and a few TDs. I'm giving Johnson the edge with this one.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='-Truth-' timestamp='1311266858' post='710619']
Here's a conundrum I face often in Mock Drafts:

Frank Gore or Darren McFadden?
[/quote]

Oakland has some work to do with their o-line, but I'd go with Run DMC based on lack of mileadge, and superior talent. I don't know the exact numbers, but I've read his per-game numbers were among the best in fantasy last season. He'll miss some games(like Gore), but he has more potential for monster performances.

Keep in mind, I haven't checked out "strength of schedule".

[Sordane]

Peyton Hillis or LeSean McCoy

[PuRock]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1311258756' post='710526']
Calvin Johnson or Roddy White(standard league)?
[/quote]

Standard League. hmmmm. Right now in my ppr rankings, I have Roddy White one spot ahead of Calvin. So its neck-to-neck. But here is an interesting stat about the Detroit Lions. Only 2 teams threw more (in attempts) than the Lions. If Stafford stays healthy Calvin could very well be in the #1 WR in fantasy this year. So for a standard league, I like Calvin. A true red-zone threat, deep-threat and everything else. Roddy however will probably be the most consistent.

But I still love one of my favorite players, Andre Johnson as the #1 WR. I have a feeling he has a great year.

[quote name='Sordane' timestamp='1311274289' post='710685']
Peyton Hillis or LeSean McCoy
[/quote]

If its ppr, I'm taking McCoy without doubt. I'm low on Hillis and high on McCoy this year. I can tell you this much, I'm sure the Ravens and Steelers have no plans about letting Hillis run wild on us this year. That's 4 games right there. He's also on the cover of Madden, and his durability is starting to be questioned.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1311276266' post='710695']
But I still love one of my favorite players, Andre Johnson as the #1 WR. I have a feeling he has a great year.
[/quote]

Do you see him finally hitting double digits in TDs?

[PuRock]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1311278078' post='710712']
Do you see him finally hitting double digits in TDs?
[/quote]

I'm bullish on him. 1600 yds, 11/12 TDs. Gets over that hump and flat out kills it. I think it goes hand and hand with Schaub. Plus Daniels should help open things up a bit more for Johnson.

[lowrider]

I think I would rather have Roddy White over Calvin. White has been healthier over his career and Ryan has a good chemistry with White.

I think I would rather take LeSean McCoy over Hillis. Hillis might be better in a non PPR because I still expect him to get td's but I think that McCoy will get more overall yards, catches and points than Hillis

[-Truth-]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1311268864' post='710631']
Oakland has some work to do with their o-line, but I'd go with Run DMC based on lack of mileadge, and superior talent. I don't know the exact numbers, but I've read his per-game numbers were among the best in fantasy last season. He'll miss some games(like Gore), but he has more potential for monster performances.

Keep in mind, I haven't checked out "strength of schedule".
[/quote]
I'm with you on this one, although I've had several people attempt to convince me. The numbers do favor McFadden, who averaged 128 yards per game in 2010 compared to Gore's 118.6. If anything, however, their situations are what intrigues me the most. The Raiders spent both of their first 2 selections on the OL, which could ensure another successful season for their feature back, while the hiring of an offensive mind in Jim Harbaugh improves Gore's stock as well. Both RBs have missed a similar amount of time over the past 3 years, McFadden missing 10 games to Gore's 9. Each of their teams drafted a quality RB, being Kendall Hunter and Taiwan Jones. However, Michael Bush could find another home in 2011, meaning that McFadden will likely see 20 touches per game in this scenario. I don't think there's necessarily a wrong choice between the two, but likewise, I'm leaning toward that younger legs.

[JO_75]

This is sort of a draft strategy version of "Who would you rather Draft" but I figure I ask it anyway.

Would You Rather Draft a Early Round QB(Rodgers, Brady, Manning, Brees) or Draft a QB in the late rounds(Ryan, Flacco, Orton, Kolb, Eli Manning) knowing the first few rounds were used to build up other positions?

I always run into this, Mock or Real Draft. Do I go for the Star QB in Round 1 and pass up an opportunity on a RB like Peterson or Chris Johnson knowing I probably won't get a good RB in the later rounds.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='JO_75' timestamp='1311291186' post='710851']
This is sort of a draft strategy version of "Who would you rather Draft" but I figure I ask it anyway.

Would You Rather Draft a Early Round QB(Rodgers, Brady, Manning, Brees) or Draft a QB in the late rounds(Ryan, Flacco, Orton, Kolb, Eli Manning) knowing the first few rounds were used to build up other positions?
[/quote]

I'm waiting. The potential ceiling of the mid-to-late-round QBs(specifically Eli, Flacco and Ryan) is high enough to warrant stocking up on RBs and WRs. If you have a surplus of quality depth, you can always trade. On top of that, the difference between players you truly feel comfortable starting as your #1 RB and WR is much greater at those positions than QB.

[-Truth-]

[quote name='JO_75' timestamp='1311291186' post='710851']
This is sort of a draft strategy version of "Who would you rather Draft" but I figure I ask it anyway.

Would You Rather Draft a Early Round QB(Rodgers, Brady, Manning, Brees) or Draft a QB in the late rounds(Ryan, Flacco, Orton, Kolb, Eli Manning) knowing the first few rounds were used to build up other positions?

I always run into this, Mock or Real Draft. Do I go for the Star QB in Round 1 and pass up an opportunity on a RB like Peterson or Chris Johnson knowing I probably won't get a good RB in the later rounds.
[/quote]
Later. No question about it. I've taken QBs like Ryan, Flacco and Roethlisberger in 5+ rounds in recent Mocks. It's a passing league, so while most feature backs are taken in the first 2, a solid QB could be easily be found down the line. Wouldn't throw Kolb in there with those names though.

[PuRock]

[quote name='JO_75' timestamp='1311291186' post='710851']
This is sort of a draft strategy version of "Who would you rather Draft" but I figure I ask it anyway.

Would You Rather Draft a Early Round QB(Rodgers, Brady, Manning, Brees) or Draft a QB in the late rounds(Ryan, Flacco, Orton, Kolb, Eli Manning) knowing the first few rounds were used to build up other positions?

I always run into this, Mock or Real Draft. Do I go for the Star QB in Round 1 and pass up an opportunity on a RB like Peterson or Chris Johnson knowing I probably won't get a good RB in the later rounds.
[/quote]

Same as the guys above. I wait. The difference between the top qbs and the average isn't too great. Whereas for RBs and WRs, it's huge. Better to load up on talent there and create a qb combo, than to draft a qb early and miss wr/rb talent.

Ofcouse if a top qb falls far enough, I might draft one. But on my BPA list, I undervalue qbs overall.

[Ed_Reed20]

Antonio Gates or the rest of the field?

[PuRock]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1311297019' post='710957']
Antonio Gates or the rest of the field?
[/quote]

I've already voiced my opinion on this , its Gates or bust. Who else can you find at TE that will give you 80+ 1 TD consistently. I do worry about his plantar fasciitis. The year before it was turf toe. He always gets you to the playoffs but leaves you on your own during the playoffs.

I could be mistaken but I thought Gates was leading the league in touchdowns for WRs for a good portion last year.

But I'll draft Antonio Gates earliest in the 4th round (12 team league). And not worry about grabbing another TE. Worst comes to worst if he gets injured, I'll grab another serviceable TE off the waiver. Kevin Boss doesn't usually get hot until the second half. So he's usually available.

[lowrider]

I like going for middle tier fantasy qb's like Tony Romo, Schaub, and Rivers. Put up solid numbers and you can normally get them in the 3rd or 4th round. Then I like to get a young potential guy. But it all depends. If I get a later pick in the first round, I may go rb and qb when in snakes back. Or Andre Johnson and qb when it snakes back and go rb, rb in the next round. It really all depends where you draft and how the points in the league is. Non ppr qbs are more valuable but in ppr, qbs are less important.

Jermichael Finley was tearing up for me when he was healthy. I would take a risk with him and pass up on Gates. I just hate drafting a TE in the 4th round.

Is there a specific round where any of you draft best player available or draft where there are holes in your team?

[PuRock]

[quote name='lowrider' timestamp='1311298586' post='710995']
Jermichael Finley was tearing up for me when he was healthy. I would take a risk with him and pass up on Gates. I just hate drafting a TE in the 4th round.
[/quote]

Finley was tearing it up. But he wasn't getting the TDs, through those five games last year he only had 1 TD. Rodgers likes to run in a ton and, Jennings gets the fades. Worry a bit about that. Plus a knee injury sometimes takes longer than it seems. He might not be completely up to form until mid season.

But in the mock drafts I've done, Finley is being taken pretty late. And if he ends up on my team I have no problem with that. I'd be happy with him as my #1 guy.

I like Gates because he gets almost all the redzone targets. Getting Gates is like your getting a #1 WR in the 4th round. Its a bargain. Same goes for the TEs like Clark/Finley/Witten.

[quote name='lowrider' timestamp='1311298586' post='710995']
Is there a specific round where any of you draft best player available or draft where there are holes in your team?
[/quote]

I go BPA for the first four rounds. Then I start assessing my team needs and start looking at BPA's at holes. If I need a WR but my next BPA WR probably will make another round, I take another position. It's a mixed draft strategy but its based around BPA.

But I won't do anything stupid like draft two QBs or two TEs too early because that's what my BPA states.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='lowrider' timestamp='1311298586' post='710995']
I like going for middle tier fantasy qb's like Tony Romo, Schaub, and Rivers. Put up solid numbers and you can normally get them in the 3rd or 4th round. Then I like to get a young potential guy. But it all depends. If I get a later pick in the first round, I may go rb and qb when in snakes back. Or Andre Johnson and qb when it snakes back and go rb, rb in the next round. It really all depends where you draft and how the points in the league is. Non ppr qbs are more valuable but in ppr, qbs are less important.

[b]Jermichael Finley was tearing up for me when he was healthy. I would take a risk with him and pass up on Gates. I just hate drafting a TE in the 4th round.[/b]

Is there a specific round where any of you draft best player available or draft where there are holes in your team?
[/quote]

If the pre-season hype train ramps up to where it was last year, you may have to take Finley in the 4th.

[PuRock]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1311299435' post='711007']
If the pre-season hype train ramps up to where it was last year, you may have to take Finley in the 4th.
[/quote]

This [url="http://www.channel3000.com/sports/28564214/detail.html"]Article[/url] says his mouth is already up to preseason form. Probably help with the hype. His ADP on CBS is 64th (which is good for 5th round. But guys like Clark, Davis and Witten always seem to go before him.